The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reacted after one of its agents arrested the owner of a Shawarma store over N1,600 transaction. 

Ato Mnena Anita was arrested alongside her workers on May 6 and her eatery, in Makurdi, Benue state, was shut down. She was then charged with “attempted fraud” over the misunderstanding after being detained in a cockroach-infested cell. 

According to the shawarma store owner, she was arrested due to a N1,600 transaction by a female customer. The arrest was largely condemned by Nigerians, who called it an abuse of power, and reacting to the turn of events, EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, in a statement on Monday, noted that the commission has commenced investigations into the circumstances of the incident. 

He assured that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring that they get to the root of the matter. The statement reads:”The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to reports of a recent arrest made by its officers at a pastry firm in Makurdi, Benue State, involving Ms Mnena Ato, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Star Shawarma.The Commission has commenced investigations into the circumstances of her arrest and would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all facts related to the arrest are unearthed.It is not in the character of the EFCC to act arbitrarily and the Commission is always guided by global best practices in its operations.

The Commission wishes to assure members of the public of its commitment to best professional practices and excellent conduct of all its men and officers.As the Commission continues to pursue its mandate of ridding the nation of economic and financial crimes, appropriate sanctions would be placed on whoever is found to have acted out of character regarding the Benue arrest.”